Unmanned underwater vehicles, also known as underwater robots or UUVs, are used for mine detection and clearance, as well as reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and ocean exploration. They are suitable for long-duration, large-scale expeditions.
Marine robots have the following characteristics:
1. Unmanned
For example, the unmanned underwater vehicle launched by the US Navy's nuclear submarine USS Buffalo can measure salinity and temperature at different depths. It can also calculate the speed of sound at different depths based on the obtained salinity and temperature data, helping to fully utilize sonar performance and improve the tactical decision-making of submarine commanders. Simultaneously, it can achieve information collection, acquisition, communication, and sharing, making it a crucial link in the US Navy's entry into "network-centric warfare" in the underwater battlefield.
2. Intelligent
Autonomous unmanned submarines do not require remote control during missions. Launched from their platform, they can operate independently of their mothership, controlled by mission management software to determine their course, speed, depth, and evasive maneuvers. For example, the US Navy is testing an intelligent "sea glider" marine robot that can autonomously navigate at depths of approximately 1000 meters for up to six months, covering a distance of about 5000 kilometers, and is capable of detecting mines and surface targets. With a module replacement, this robot can become a mobile autonomous relay node in an underwater communication network.
3. Module generalization
The technologies of self-sufficiency, power and propulsion, sensors and sensing processes, communication and navigation of marine robots are all strictly limited to certain functional modules. Changing modules is equivalent to changing the purpose and performance of the robot. However, the standardization of modules makes the development of marine robots more standardized and changes to their combat purpose relatively easy.
